Millie Bright says she has no regrets about withdrawing from England selection this summer – despite Sarina Wiegman leading her side to a second successive Women’s Euros triumph.
The Chelsea centre half stepped back from selection a month before the tournament began, shortly after the international retirements of Mary Earps and Fran Kirby.
She said at the time: “My pride and ego tells me to go but I think the team and the fans deserve more. Right now I’m not able to give 100% mentally or physically.
“As much as I want to be out there running through brick walls for England and fighting alongside my team-mates, stepping back is the right thing for my health, my future in the game and most importantly the team.”
It followed a season where she had helped Chelsea to three domestic trophies and a run to the semi-finals of the UEFA Women’s Champions League, as well as her international commitments.
And despite the Lionesses’ success in Switzerland, Bright has now told a podcast that it was the best decision she has ever made.
“You get into that mindset where nothing comes between what it takes to win,” she said. “It’s like an engine, you just keep going.
“When the season ended, when you finally allow yourself to relax it hits you and I was like, ‘I just need to take a minute otherwise I am on the verge of a breakdown’.
“For the first time in a long time I figured out where I was at mentally and I couldn’t even think about the Euros. That was a big indicator that I needed to back off a little bit and just breathe. For the first time I made a decision for me and not to please other people.
“Taking the decision in the summer was by far the best decision I have ever made and one that I am actually really proud of because it is not easy by any means.”
Millie Bright: I’m so ready for the season
The break also gave her the chance to have what her club called “minor knee surgery” the day after her announcement, and fully recover from the operation.
“I was eager to get back on the pitch and finally be pain-free with my knee and it not blow up after every session and I am actually able to walk downstairs after a tough day,” Bright added.
“I don’t feel like I ever lost the buzz, but I was so drained that I was so ready for a break. But now I am so ready for the first game and get back out there.”
Chelsea’s first game of the season is against Manchester City, kicking off at Stamford Bridge on Friday, September 5th.
